United States Federal Assistance program constructs modern market for over 3,440 rural women in Nimba County.
Nimba County, Liberia, November 26, 2024 – The United States Government through its Federal Assistance with implementation by Buutay K. Buu, is currently constructing a modern market for over 3,440 women in Zor Gabarplay, Nimba County.
The project is designed to meet specific needs of rural women vendors, providing a safe and organized space where they can sell their goods, grow their businesses, and connect with customers.
By addressing the lack of proper infrastructure in rural Liberia, this project will enable women to work in a supportive environment, strengthening their financial independence and improving household incomes.
This initiative, which is funded through the U.S. Federal Assistance, is focused on building a modern market to empower rural women, boost incomes, and drive local economic growth.
However, with its completion, the project is expected to positively impact lives of approximately 3,440 individuals in the community.
Over the weekend, Mr. Buutay K. Buu and his team visited the county to conduct an assessment. During the visitation, the rural market women, welcomed Mr. Buu and his entourage with open arms, and traditional display including signing of native song, throwing of locally produce rice and spreading of lappers in appreciation of the U.S. government assistance.
Mr. Buu has long been an advocate for rural development, with a proven record in education, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation. Mr. Buu see this market as more than a construction project but a symbol of hope and opportunity.
Remarking during the visitation, Mr. Buutay K. Buu expressed appreciation to the U.S. government for the assistance to address market challenge confronting rural women, while urging collaborative efforts for change.
According to him, the market isn’t just a place for buying and selling, rather it represents dignity, economic empowerment, and a brighter future for the women and families of Zor Gbarplay. He sees the market construction as a step toward prosperity.
“This project is made possible by the U.S government. I want us to thank the U.S. Federal Assistance and the support of Ambassador Mark Toner, who has championed grassroots development in Liberia. His commitment to sustainable projects like this one is helping create opportunities for underserved communities and paving the way for long-term growth”, added.
Commenting on the impact of the project in transforming lives, and building a future, Mr. Buu notes that with the construction well underway, the market is set to become a cornerstone of empowerment and economic development in Zor Gbarplay.
He believes that it will give 3,440 beneficiaries tools they need to make meaningful contributions to their community while improving their livelihoods.
“This is about building more than just a structure. It’s about laying the foundation for lasting growth and prosperity. The project highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing global challenges at a local level. It serves as a reminder that when communities and partners come together, they can create meaningful, sustainable change” he concluded.
For their part, rural marketers thru their Chairperson, Madam Ruth Dopoh, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the U.S. government through its Embassy in Monrovia for the intervention, while describing Mr. Buu as a visionary leader and implementor.
Lamenting challenges of rural women, who are engaged in local and cross-border trade, Madam Dope said that for many years, they have been doing local and cross-border trade.
But, the major threat to their economic growth and existence has been construction of a marker structure to provide them shelter and preservation.
“Now, most time we walk under hot sun in the streets to sell. But when we come, we have no shelter to sit under and so, we will just gather here. But thanks to God for using the U.S. government to help us with this place that now our market can’t damage and we just can’t get sick like that any longer”, she said.
He also told the U.S. government that the current issue facing them is lack of training in business management, technical vocational skills and funding to improve their businesses.
“We want to be self-reliant and independent. However, we don’t have the necessary technical and vocational education and so, we want for the U.S. government to empower us rural women with vocational skills. We also want people who will train us in business management because what we are doing here is just from hand to mouth business. Lastly, we also want funding to improve our business. If the U.S government can provide another opportunity and ensure that we have funding and materials with the skills that we will acquire, we can make a difference”, she concluded. Editing by Jonathan Browne